Search Results (60)

Single-cell encapsulation, by constructing cell-scale microenvironments, enables precise protection, regulation, and functional enhancement of individual cells, holding significant importance in biomedical fields such as bioanalysis and cell therapy. Although various materials—including polymers, nanoparticles, hydrogels, polyphenols, and inorganic minerals—have been explored for single-cell encapsulation, limitations in controllability, biocompatibility, and multifunctional integration remain. In contrast, DNA nanomaterials offer unique advantages, including programmable architecture, high biocompatibility, precise spatial control, and modular functionality, making them highly suitable for the development of intelligent single-cell encapsulation systems. In this review, a systematic summary of recent advances in DNA nanomaterial-based single-cell encapsulation is presented. The fundamental encoding and assembly principles underlying the engineered encapsulation of cells at the membrane interface using DNA nanostructures are elucidated. Subsequently, the distinctive merits of DNA-based cell encapsulation and its applications in biomedical research are comprehensively summarized. Finally, the prevailing challenges and future directions in this burgeoning field are critically discussed, aiming to provide novel insights and perspectives for the advancement of advanced functional materials in both academic and clinical research pertaining to single-cell encapsulation. Full article

Hydrogels are three-dimensional network structures composed of hydrophilic polymers that can swell in water and are very similar to soft tissues such as connective tissue or the extracellular matrix. DNA hydrogels are particularly notable for biomedical applications due to their high biocompatibility, physiological stability, molecular recognition, biodegradability, easy functionalization, and low immunogenicity. Based on these advantages, stimuli-responsive DNA hydrogels that have the property of reversibly changing their structure in response to various microenvironments or molecules are attracting attention as smart nanomaterials that can be applied to biosensing and material transfer, such as in the case of cells and drugs. As DNA nanotechnology advances, DNA can be hybridized with a variety of nanomaterials, from inorganic nanomaterials such as gold nanoparticles (AuNPs) and quantum dots (QDs) to synthetic polymers such as polyacrylamide (PAAm) and poly(N-isopropylacrylamide) (pNIPAM). These hybrid structures exhibit various optical and chemical properties. This review discusses recent advances and remaining challenges in biomedical applications of stimuli-responsive smart DNA hydrogel-based systems. It also highlights various types of hybridized DNA hydrogel, explores various response mechanism strategies of stimuli-responsive DNA hydrogel, and provides insights and prospects for biomedical applications such as biosensing and drug delivery. Full article

Thermosensitive hydrogel, as a smart polymer material, showed great potential for application in the field of wound repair due to its unique external temperature responsiveness and excellent biocompatibility. Chitosan, a natural macromolecular polysaccharide derived from the deacetylation of chitin, possessed not only strong interactions with biomolecules such as DNA, proteins, and lipids, but also unique biocompatibility and degradability. Chitosan-based thermosensitive hydrogels, prepared by compounding chitosan with surfactants, underwent sol–gel phase transitions at varying external temperatures, which provided an ideal healing environment for wounds. This comprehensive review was initiated by elucidating the sol–gel phase transformation mechanism underlying thermosensitive hydrogels and the intricate process of wound repair. In addition, this review provided a detailed overview of the prevalent types of chitosan-based thermosensitive hydrogels, highlighting their unique characteristics and applications in different types of wound repair. Finally, the challenges and development directions of chitosan-based thermosensitive hydrogels in wound repair were discussed, aiming to provide theoretical support and practical guidance for their future applications in wound healing. Full article

Nanogels are polymer-based, crosslinked hydrogel particles on the nanometer scale. Nanogels developed from synthetic and natural polymers have gathered a great deal of attention in industry and scientific society due to having an increased surface area, softness, flexibility, absorption, and drug loading ability, as well as their mimicking the environment of a tissue. Nanogels having biocompatibility, nontoxic and biodegradable properties with exceptional design, fabrication, and coating facilities may be used for a variety of different biomedical applications, such as drug delivery and therapy, tissue engineering, and bioimaging. Nanogels fabricated by chemical crosslinking and physical self-assembly displayed the ability to encapsulate therapeutics, including hydrophobic, hydrophilic, and small molecules, proteins, peptides, RNA and DNA sequences, and even ultrasmall nanoparticles within their three-dimensional polymer networks. One of the many drug delivery methods being investigated as a practical option for targeted delivery of drugs for cancer treatment is nanogels. The delivery of DNA and anticancer drugs like doxorubicin, epirubicin, and paclitaxel has been eased by polymeric nanogels. Stimuli-responsive PEGylated nanogels have been reported as smart nanomedicines for cancer diagnostics and therapy. Another promising biomedical application of nanogels is wound healing. Wounds are injuries to living tissue caused by a cut, blow, or other impact. There are numerous nanogels having different polymer compositions that have been reported to enhance the wound healing process, such as hyaluronan, poly-L-lysine, and berberine. When antimicrobial resistance is present, wound healing becomes a complicated process. Researchers are looking for novel alternative approaches, as foreign microorganisms in wounds are becoming resistant to antibiotics. Silver nanogels have been reported as a popular antimicrobial choice, as silver has been used as an antimicrobial throughout a prolonged period. Lignin-incorporated nanogels and lidocaine nanogels have also been reported as an antioxidant wound-dressing material that can aid in wound healing. In this review, we will summarize recent progress in biomedical applications for various nanogels, with a prime focus on cancer and wound healing. Full article

Introduction: Recombinant human collagen, developed through advanced recombinant DNA technology, has emerged as a cutting-edge biomaterial with diverse applications in medicine. It addresses significant limitations of animal-derived collagens, such as immunogenicity and the risk of zoonotic diseases. Objective: This review evaluates the clinical applications, benefits, and challenges associated with recombinant human collagen, focusing on its potential to transform medical and surgical practices. Methods: A comprehensive search was conducted in MEDLINE, PubMed, and Ovid databases using keywords such as “Recombinant Human Collagen”, “Collagen-Based Biomaterials”, “Clinical Applications”, “Tissue Repair”, and “Wound Healing”. Relevant studies, including clinical trials and diagnostic applications, were analyzed and classified according to the Oxford Centre for Evidence-Based Medicine evidence hierarchy. Findings: Recombinant human collagen demonstrates superior mechanical properties and controlled degradation rates compared to traditional collagen sources. Clinical studies highlight its effectiveness in accelerating wound closure, promoting dermal regeneration, and minimizing scarring, making it particularly valuable in chronic wound management and surgical interventions. In tissue engineering, recombinant human collagen scaffolds have shown potential for regenerating cartilage, bone, and cardiovascular tissues by supporting cell proliferation, differentiation, and matrix deposition. Additionally, its adaptability for forming hydrogels and matrices enhances its suitability for drug delivery systems, enabling controlled and sustained release of therapeutic agents. Conclusion: Recombinant human collagen represents a transformative advancement in clinical practice, providing a safer and more effective alternative to traditional collagen sources. Its demonstrated success in wound healing, tissue engineering, and drug delivery highlights its potential to significantly improve patient outcomes. However, challenges such as high production costs, regulatory complexities, and long-term biocompatibility remain barriers to widespread clinical adoption. Further research and collaboration between biotechnology developers and regulatory authorities are essential to fully realize its clinical potential. Full article

The depletion of the ozone layer has intensified ultraviolet (UV) radiation exposure, leading to oxidative stress, DNA damage, inflammation, photoaging, and skin cancer. Medicinal plants, widely used in Traditional Herbal Medicine (THM), particularly in Traditional Chinese Medicine (TCM), have demonstrated significant therapeutic potential due to their well-characterized active compounds and established photoprotective effects. This review systematically evaluates 18 medicinal plants selected based on their traditional use in skin-related conditions and emerging evidence supporting their efficacy against UV-induced skin damage. Their bioactive components exert antioxidant, anti-inflammatory, DNA repair, and depigmentation effects by modulating key signaling pathways, including Nrf2/ARE-, MAPK/AP-1-, PI3K/Akt-, and MITF/TYR-related melanogenesis pathways. Moreover, novel drug delivery systems, such as exosomes, hydrogels, and nanoemulsions, have significantly enhanced the stability, bioavailability, and skin penetration of these compounds. However, challenges remain in standardizing plant-derived formulations, elucidating complex synergistic mechanisms, and translating preclinical findings into clinical applications. Future interdisciplinary research and technological advancements will be essential to harness the full therapeutic potential of medicinal plants for UV-induced skin damage prevention and treatment. Full article

Monitoring of immune factors, including interferon-gamma (IFN-γ), holds great importance for understanding immune responses and disease diagnosis. Wearable sensors enable continuous and non-invasive detection of immune markers in sweat, drawing significant attention to their potential in real-time health monitoring and personalized medicine. Among these, electrochemical sensors are particularly advantageous, due to their excellent signal responsiveness, cost-effectiveness, miniaturization, and broad applicability, making them ideal for constructing wearable sweat sensors. In this study, we present a flexible and sensitive wearable platform for the detection of IFN-γ, utilizing a DNA hydrogel with favorable loading performance and sample collection capability, and the application of mobile software achieves immediate data analysis and processing. This platform integrates three-dimensional DNA hydrogel functionalized with IFN-γ-specific aptamers for precise target recognition and efficient sweat collection. Signal amplification is achieved through target-triggered catalytic hairpin assembly (CHA), with DNA hairpins remarkably enhancing sensitivity. Ferrocene-labeled reporting strands immobilized on a screen-printed carbon electrode are displayed via CHA-mediated strand displacement, leading to a measurable reduction in electrical signals. These changes are transmitted to a custom-developed mobile application via a portable electrochemical workstation for real-time data analysis and recording. This wearable sensor platform combines the specificity of DNA aptamers, advanced signal amplification, and the convenience of mobile data processing. It offers a high-sensitivity approach to detecting low-abundance targets in sweat, paving the way for new applications in point-of-care diagnostics and wearable health monitoring. Full article

Bioactive metal and metal oxide-based nanocomposite hydrogels exhibit significant antibacterial properties by interacting with microbial DNA and preventing bacterial replication. They offer potential applications as coating materials for human or animal skin injuries to prevent microbial growth and promote healing. In this study, silver nanoparticles (AgNPs) were synthesized using a chemical reduction method and incorporated into a polymer network to fabricate silver nanocomposite hydrogels (AgNCHGs) through a simple free radical polymerization method. N-isopropylacrylamide (NIPA), which has lower critical solution temperature (LCST) at about body temperature, or acrylamide (AAm) was used as the main monomer, while one or more ionic co-monomers, such as acrylic acid (AAc) and 2-acrylamido-2-methylpropane sulfonic acid (AMPS), were incorporated to obtain AgNCHGs. AgNPs were introduced into the hydrogel network via three different approaches. In the first method, the synthesized hydrogel was immersed in a silver nitrate (AgNO₃) solution and reduced in situ using sodium borohydride (NaBH₄) as a reducing agent. The second method involved mixing AgNO₃ with gel precursors before reduction with NaBH₄ to form AgNPs within the hydrogel. The final approach synthesized the AgNCHGs directly in a dispersion of pre-fabricated AgNPs. The incorporation of AgNPs in different AgNCHGs was confirmed through various characterization techniques. Varying temperature and pH conditions can trigger the release of bioactive AgNPs from the hydrogels. Furthermore, the antimicrobial and wound-healing properties of the AgNCHGs were evaluated against bacteria and fungi, demonstrating their potential in biomedical applications. In addition, AgNCHGs exhibit excellent electrical conductivity. The electrical conductivity of the hydrogels can be finely tuned by adjusting the concentration of AgNPs, making these materials promising candidates for energy, sensor, and stretchable electronics applications. This study presents facile synthesis methods of AgNCHGs, which integrate bioactivity, wound healing, and electrical conductivity in the same matrix, addressing a significant challenge in designing multifunctional hydrogels for next-generation technologies. Full article

In this study, a polyvinyl alcohol/polyethylene glycol/hydroxypropyltrimethyl ammonium chloride chitosan (PVA/PEG/HACC) ternary composite hydrogel was synthesized using electron-beam radiation. The materials were thoroughly characterized via Fourier transform infrared spectroscopy, X-ray diffraction, scanning electron microscopy, thermogravimetric analysis, Brunauer–Emmett–Teller analysis, gelation fraction tests, and swelling rate tests. Systematic adsorption experiments revealed that the rate of adsorption of calf thymus DNA (ctDNA) by the PVA/PEG/HACC hydrogel reached 89%. The adsorption process followed the Langmuir isotherm and pseudo-second-order kinetic model. This process was mainly characterized by monolayer chemical adsorption, with intraparticle diffusion playing a crucial role. In addition, the process was spontaneous, with higher temperatures enhancing adsorption. The possible adsorption mechanisms included electrostatic interactions, hydrogen bonding, and van der Waals forces. The maximum ctDNA desorption rate was 81.67%. The adsorption rate remained at 71.39% after five adsorption–desorption cycles. The bioactivity of the PVA/PEG/HACC hydrogel was validated by antibacterial, cytotoxicity, and apoptosis tests. The results of this study demonstrated the crucial application potential of adsorbent materials in DNA adsorption and biomedical applications. Full article

Cutaneous metastatic melanoma (CMM) is the most aggressive form of skin cancer with a poor prognosis. Drug-induced secondary tumorigenesis and the emergency of drug resistance worsen an already worrying scenario, thus rendering urgent the development of new treatments not dealing with mutable cellular processes. Triphenyl phosphonium salts (TPPSs), in addiction to acting as cytoplasmic membrane disruptors, are reported to be mitochondria-targeting compounds, exerting anticancer effects mainly by damaging their membranes and causing depolarization, impairing mitochondria functions and their DNA, triggering oxidative stress (OS), and priming primarily apoptotic cell death. TPP-based bola amphiphiles are capable of self-forming nanoparticles (NPs) with enhanced biological properties, as commonly observed for nanomaterials. Already employed in several other biomedical applications, the per se selective potent antibacterial effects of a TPP bola amphiphile have only recently been demonstrated on 50 multidrug resistant (MDR) clinical superbugs, as well as its exceptional and selective anticancer properties on sensitive and MDR neuroblastoma cells. Here, aiming at finding new molecules possibly developable as new treatments for counteracting CMM, the effects of this TPP-based bola amphiphile (BPPB) have been investigated against two BRAF mutants CMM cell lines (MeOV and MeTRAV) with excellent results (even IC₅₀ = 49 nM on MeOV after 72 h treatment). With these findings and considering the low cytotoxicity of BPPB against different mammalian non-tumoral cell lines and red blood cells (RBCs, selectivity indexes up to 299 on MeOV after 72 h treatment), the possible future development of BPPB as topical treatment for CMM lesions was presumed. With this aim, a biodegradable hyaluronic acid (HA)-based hydrogel formulation (HA-BPPB-HG) was prepared without using any potentially toxic crosslinking agents simply by dispersing suitable amounts of the two ingredients in water and sonicating under gentle heating. HA-BPPB-HA was completely characterized, with promising outcomes such as high swelling capability, high porosity, and viscous elastic rheological behavior. Full article

Fluoropyrimidine (FP) drugs are central components of combination chemotherapy regimens for the treatment of colorectal cancer (CRC). FP-based chemotherapy has improved survival outcomes over the last several decades with much of the therapeutic benefit derived from the optimization of dose and delivery. To provide further advances in therapeutic efficacy, next-generation prodrugs and nanodelivery systems for FPs are being developed. This review focuses on recent innovative nanodelivery approaches for FP drugs that display therapeutic promise. We summarize established, clinically useful FP prodrug strategies, including capecitabine, which exploit tumor-specific enzyme expression for optimal anticancer activity. We then describe the use of FP DNA-based polymers (e.g., CF10) for the delivery of activated FP nucleotides as a nanodelivery approach with proven activity in pre-clinical models and with clinical potential. Multiple nanodelivery systems for FP delivery show promise in CRC pre-clinical models and we review advances in albumin-mediated FP delivery, the development of mesoporous silica nanoparticles, emulsion-based nanoparticles, metal nanoparticles, hydrogel-based delivery, and liposomes and lipid nanoparticles that display particular promise for therapeutic development. Nanodelivery of FPs is anticipated to impact CRC treatment in the coming years and to improve survival for cancer patients. Full article

The increasing problem of antimicrobial resistance in N. gonorrhoeae necessitates the development of molecular typing schemes that are suitable for rapid and mass screening. The objective of this study was to design and validate a mini-MLST scheme for N. gonorrhoeae based on global pathogen population data. Using sequences of seven housekeeping genes of 21,402 isolates with known MLSTs from the PubMLST database, we identified eighteen informative polymorphisms and obtained mini-MLST nucleotide profiles to predict MLSTs of isolates. We proposed a new MLST grouping system for N. gonorrhoeae based on mini-MLST profiles. Phylogenetic analysis revealed that MLST genogroups are a stable characteristic of the N. gonorrhoeae global population. The proposed grouping system has been shown to bring together isolates with similar antimicrobial susceptibility, as demonstrated by the characteristics of major genogroups. Established MLST prediction algorithms based on nucleotide profiles are now publicly available. The mini-MLST scheme was evaluated using a MLST detection/prediction method based on the original hydrogel DNA microarray. The results confirmed a high predictive ability up to the MLST genogroup. The proposed holistic approach to gonococcal population analysis can be used for the continuous surveillance of known and emerging resistant N. gonorrhoeae isolates. Full article

Utilizing the immune system as a strategy for disease prevention and treatment is promising, especially with dendritic cells (DCs) playing a central role in adaptive immune responses. The unique properties of DCs drive interest in developing materials for cell-based therapy and immune modulation. Injectable systems require syringe-compatible scaffolds, while hydrogels, like alginate, known for their programmability and biocompatibility, offer a versatile platform for immune medicine enhancement through easy preparation and room-temperature cross-linking. In this study, we synthesized alginate balls loaded with DCs or cytosine–phosphorothioate–guanine deoxyribonucleotide (CpG DNA) microparticles, aiming for long-term immune cell culture with potential immune stimulation effects. Encapsulated DCs exhibited proliferation within the alginate balls for up to 7 days, and CpG MPs were uniformly dispersed, which can facilitate uptake by DCs. This was supported by the result that DCs effectively phagocytosed CpG microparticles in a 2D environment. After the uptake of CpG MPs, the alginate balls with CpG-MP-uptaken DCs were synthesized successfully. The injectable properties of the alginate balls were easily modulated by adjusting the syringe needle gauges. This innovative strategy holds substantial promise for advancing medical treatments, offering effective and comfortable solutions for controlled immune modulation. Full article

Diabetes mellitus (DM) is a metabolic disease characterized by hyperglycemia caused by abnormalities in insulin secretion and/or action. In patients with diabetes, complications such as blindness, delayed wound healing, erectile dysfunction, renal failure, heart disease, etc., are generally related to an increase in ROS levels which, when activated, trigger hyperglycemia-induced lesions, inflammation and insulin resistance. In fact, extensive cell damage and death occurs mainly due to the effect that ROS exerts at the level of cellular constituents, causing the deterioration of DNA and peroxidation of proteins and lipids. Furthermore, elevated levels of reactive oxygen species (ROS) and an imbalance of redox levels in diabetic patients produce insulin resistance. These destructive effects can be controlled by the defense network of antioxidants of natural origin such as phloretin and gallic acid. For this reason, the objective of this work was to create a nanocarrier (hydrogel) based on gallic acid containing phloretin to increase the antioxidant effect of the two substances which function as fundamental for reducing the mechanisms linked to oxidative stress in patients suffering from chronic diabetes. Furthermore, since the bioavailability problems of phloretin at the intestinal level are known, this carrier could facilitate its release and absorption. The obtained hydrogel was characterized using Fourier transform infrared spectroscopy (FT-IR). Its degree of swelling (a%) and phloretin release were tested under pH conditions simulating the gastric and intestinal environment (1.2, 6.8 and 7.4). The antioxidant activity, inhibiting lipid peroxidation in rat liver microsomal membranes induced in vitro by a free radical source, was evaluated for four hours. All results showed that gallate hydrogel could be applied for releasing intestinal phloretin and reducing the ROS levels. Full article

Nanomedicine in gel or particle formation holds considerable potential for enhancing passive and active targeting within ocular drug delivery systems. The complex barriers of the eye, exemplified by the intricate network of closely connected tissue structures, pose significant challenges for drug administration. Leveraging the capability of engineered nanomedicine offers a promising approach to enhance drug penetration, particularly through active targeting agents such as protein peptides and aptamers, which facilitate targeted release and heightened bioavailability. Simultaneously, DNA carriers have emerged as a cutting-edge class of active-targeting structures, connecting active targeting agents and illustrating their potential in ocular drug delivery applications. This review aims to consolidate recent findings regarding the optimization of various nanoparticles, i.e., hydrogel-based systems, incorporating both passive and active targeting agents for ocular drug delivery, thereby identifying novel mechanisms and strategies. Furthermore, the review delves into the potential application of DNA nanostructures, exploring their role in the development of targeted drug delivery approaches within the field of ocular therapy. Full article